35 Greatest McDonald’s All Americans Ever

For an elite level high school hoops player, there is no bigger honor than being selected as a McDonald’s All American. Since 1977, McDonald’s has hand selected the very best HS seniors to participate in the annual McDonald’s All American Game, which has served as a both a showcase of the nation’s best amateur players as well as helping to serve as a springboard for the careers of some of the most exciting NCAA and NBA players we have ever seen.

This year’s 35th annual Game at the United Center in Chicago, will tip-off on Wednesday, March 28th, 2012 at 8:30 Central Time, and will air in it’s entirety on ESPN. McDonald’s will announce the 24 boys and 24 girls participating in the 2012 McDonald’s All American Games via a Selection Show airing on ESPNU on February 9 at 5 p.m. ET. In addition, you can monitor the McDonald’s All American websiteto be one of the first to view the unveiling of this year’s All Americans as well as highlights and a history of past winners.

Leading up to this year’s contest and as part of the 35th Anniversary of the game, McDonald’s has put out a list of the Top 35 McDonald’s All Americans of All-Time (no particular order)…..

Everett HS, Lansing Michigan

1977 Game Stats: N/A

College: Michigan State

Even though the inauguaral McDonald’s All American Game wasn’t played until the 1978 season at the now defunct Spectrum in Philadelphia, Magic Johnson undeniably earned the right to be named to the initial McDonald’s All American Team in 1977.

Johnson was a member of the original 12 players selected by McDonald’s to play in a HS All star game against Washington DC star HS players dubbed the Capital City Classic that would later become the what we know of today as the McDonald’s All American Game.

Magic led Everett HS to an impressive 27-1 record as a senior, averaging 31 points and 17 rebounds per contest. Even in high school, Earvin showcased his immense versatility by playing center on defense and point guard on offense.

St Joseph’s HS, Cleveland Ohio

1979 Game Stats: N/A

College: Ohio State

Although most fans probably know him best as CBS’s lead analyst for college hoops, Kellogg was once one of the best HS players in the state of Ohio.

Generally regarded as the best player to ever come out of Cleveland, Kellogg began earning his now famous nickname “Special K” by dropping 51 points and grabbing 24 rebounds in the 1979 Ohio State Finals, a record that still stands today.

Arguably considered the most talented roster of All Americans ever, Kellogg was a bit overshadowed by the likes of Byron Scott, Ralph Samson, Isaiah Thomas, and Dominique Wilkins. After the Mcdonald’s Game, Kellogg went on to earn All Big Ten honors with the Buckeyes before being selected #8 overall in the 1982 NBA Draft. Touted as a breakout future star, Kellogg’s once bright NBA career unfortunately was cut short after only 3 full seasons due to chronic knee injuries.

Harrisonburg HS, Harrisonburg, VA

1979 Game Stats: 4 Points and 10 Blocks

College: Virginia

After leading Harrisonburg High to 2 straight Virginia state titles and averaging a ridiculous 30 points, 19 rebounds, and 7 blocks as a senior, Sampson was added late to the ’79 McDonalds roster. As the story goes, Sampson shot a dissapointing 2 for 7 in the game offensively because he was an afterthought to offensive oriented players like Dominique Wilkins, Isaiah Thomas, and MVP Darren Daye, but showcased his immense future potential by swatting 10 shots, while already standing 7’3 as a HS senior.

As arguably the most heralded HS recruit in history, Sampson would go on to win an unprecedented at the time 3 consecutive National POY Awards at the University of Virginia before being selected #1 overall in the 1983 NBA Draft.

Although he would go on to make 4 NBA All Star teams and was paired with Hakeem Olajuwon to form the most imposing frontcourt duo in NBA history with the Houston Rockets, Sampson’s pro career never reached the heights of his HS or college status as he suffered from continuous knee injuries, cutting short his NBA career after just 9 seasons.

St Joseph’s HS, Westchester, Illinois

1979 Game Stats: 19 Points

College: Indiana

In a game which featured no less than 14 future NBA Draft picks, Thomas was undoubtedly one of the biggest, scoring 19 points, helping lead the East to a hard fought 106-105 overtime victory.

The rest of Isiah’s storied career is stuff of legend, going on to star for Bob Knight at Indiana, helping to lead the Hoosiers to a perfect record and the 1981 National Championship.

As an NBA pro, he was the key offensive cog in helping the “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons win back-to-back NBA titles in ’89-’90. Thomas would go on to make 11 NBA All star Game appearnces, make 5 All NBA Teams, and was named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All Time Team.

Washington HS, Washington, North Carolina

1979 Game Stats: 16 Points

College: Georgia

Before earning the nickname “Human Highlight Film” for his death defying highlight reel dunks in the NBA, Wilkins showed the promise that would eventually make him one of the NBA’s all time scoring leaders by helping the East to a 1 point win in overtime.

After playing at the University of Georgia for 3 seasons and averaging 21.6 ppg, Wilkins left school early as the #3 overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft.

“Nique” would go on to make 9 NBA All Star appearances, win the ’86 Scoring Title, and in dramtic fashion emerge victorious in the ’85 and ’90 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. He, along with Michael Jordan , helped take the torch from Dr J in helping to play the NBA game above the rim.

Ashbrook HS, Gastonia, North Carolina

1979 Game Stats:12 Points

College: North Carolina

As a high school senior, the player Worthy was compared to most would be his future NBA teammate Magic Johnson because he often times played the point.

Next to Sampson, Worthy was the most decorated prospect playing in the ’79 Game, mainly because he was headed to the fabled UNC Tarheels after averaging a robust 21.1 ppg, 12,2 rebounds, 5 assists, and shot 60% from the field at Ashbrook HS.

More than anything else, Worthy became known for coming up big in key moments and for winning. After missing most of his freshman season because of a broken ankle, Worthy helped lead UNC to runner-up status in ’81 before being the leading scorer on the ’82 team, alongside Michael Jordan, that won the National Title.

“Big Game James” teamed with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jaabar with the LA Lakers to form the original “Big 3” on the way to earning 9 NBA All Star Selections and winning 3 World Titles.

Shaker HS, Latham, NY

1980 Game Stats: 12 Points and Record 24 Rebounds

College North Carolina

Even though this self described sleepy senior averaged an impressive 28 points and 16 rebounds per game on Long Island, Perkins was a late addition to the ’80 roster.

Perkins made sure the committee made the right decision to add him by scoring 12 points and grabbing a still standing record 24 boards in a losing cause.

Similar to HS, Perkins always seemed overlooked by the more flashy players like Michael Jordan and James Worthy on the powerhouse UNC squads but he was every bit as responsible for leading the Heels to 2 consecutive Final Fours and the ’82 National Championship.

As an NBA pro, Perkins played for 4 teams, scoring in double figures in 13 of his 17 NBA seasons, playing in 167 postseason games. More than any individual stat, most impressive is that Perkins reportedly didn’t begin playing basketball until his junior season in HS.

Proviso East HS, Maywood, Illinois

1980 Game Stats:20 Points

College: Marquette

In his senior season, Rivers along with Derek Harper were considered the Top 2 point guard prospects in the ’80 Class.

After averaging 22.3 ppg and 8 rebounds at Proviso East, Rivers put on a show in the McDonalds Game, tying for top scoring honors but losing out on the game’s MVP Award to West teammate Russell Cross.

He went on to earn MVP honors for Team USA in the ’82 FIBA World Championships before starring at Marquette.

As a 2nd Round NBA Draft pick, Rivers started for nearly a decade alongside Dominique Wilkins on the Atlanta Hawks before finishing his pro career with the Clippers, Knicks, and Spurs. The former 1 time All Star then turned to coaching, leading the Boston Celtics to the ’08 NBA Title.

Rindge and Latin, Cambridge, Masachusetts

1981 Game Stats:

College:Georgetown

While most probably remember Patrick as the shot blocking phenom that led Georgetown to the 1984 National Title, Ewing was one of the most decorated HS players of our generation.

Over his 3 years at Rindge and Latin, he led them to a nearly unblemished 77-1 record and averaged an astounding 22.7 ppg, 15 rebounds, 7 blocks, while shooting 72% from the field.

Although he would later go on to star for Team USA on the original Dream Team, Patrick actually became the youngest player to ever get a tryout for the senior national team as he got an audition as a HS junior.

As a pro, Ewing goes down as one of the best big men ever, making 11 All Star appearances, is one of only 10 players with 22,000 points and 10,000 rebounds, and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

Laney HS, Wilmington, North Carolina

Game Stats: 30 Points, 6 steals, 4 assists

College: North Carolina

By now everyone knows the story of how Michael was inexplicably left off of his varsity HS squad as a sophomore but did you know that MJ used the name of that player chosen over him to help fuel his inner fire and motivate him throught his entire career.

As a senior at Laney, Michael averaged 27.8 ppg, 9.8 rebounds, and 6 assists per game before heading off to Chapel Hill.

During the actual McDonald’s Game that year, the nation got the first glimpse of just how magical the future G.O.A.T would become as he poured in a then record 30 points, including the tying and winning free throws with only seconds remaining. His record point total stood for 17 years until Jonathan Bender surpassed MJ in 1999.

As for his pro career – he was just above average – 14 Time All Star, 10 Time Scoring Champion, and 6 Time World Champion.

Xaverian HS, Brooklyn, NY

1981 Game Stats:N/A

College: St. John’s

Prior to lighting up collegiate scoreboards at St. John’s, Mullin was one of the best prep players to come out of Brooklyn. After transferring from Power Memorial and away from fellow future pro Mario Elie, Chris shined at Xaverian, leading them to a 19-1 late season run, helping to earn the school a Class A NY State Title.

At St. John’s, Mullin became a houshold name, earning Big East Player of the Year and All American honors 3 straight years and winning the Wooden Award in 1985. Mullin remains the Redmen’s all time leading scorer.

In the NBA, Mullin would go on to average 18+ppg for his career, earning 5 All Star Selections, and playing alongside Jordan, Magic, and Bird on the original USA Dream Team. In 2011, Chris was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Archbishop Malloy, Middle Village, New York

1983 Game Stats:N/A

College: North Carolina

While on both the collegiate and pro level, Kenny “The Jet” Smith was often overshadowed by future Hall of Famers like Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon, Smith was one of the best HS hoops players to come out of NY in the early 80’s.

Kenny would go on to earn 1987 All American status at Carolina before being selected ny Sacramento with the #6 pick in the 1987 NBA Draft.

Although Kenny palyed for 6 NBA teams over 10 seasons, he’s probably best known for his backward behind the legs bouncy alley-oops in the Dunk Contests and for winning 2 NBA Championships with the Houston Rockets. Now you can check him out on television as part of the TNT broadcast crew.

Lawrence HS, Lawrence, Kansas

1984 Game Stats:N/A

College: Kansas

After University of Kansas coach Larry Brown offered Danny’s father a job with the Jayhawks, Danny decided to transfer to Lawrence HS from North Carolina for his senior season, a bold move considering Manning was the National Junior HS POY in 1983.

The move paid off as Danny again earned National POY honors as a senior before taking his talents to nearny Kansas.

Manning left KU as its men’s basketball program’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder after leading the Jayhawks to the 1986 Final Four and the 1988 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament Championship.

Manning was selected to the last all-amateur USA national basketball team in 1988, helping the US win Bronze. Unfortunately his NBA career was marred by several knee injuries but still managed to win 6th Man of the Year in ’98 and making 2 All Star Appearances. Currently, Danny serves as a well respected big man coach on Bill Self’s Jayhawks coaching staff.

Skyline HS, Dallas, Texas

1987 Game Stats: 18 Points

College: UNLV

As one of the best HS hoops players to ever emerge from Dallas, Johnson averaged a ridiculous 29 points, 19 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocks in his senior season at Skyline HS.

After giving a commitment to local SMU then failing to qualify, Johnson became the first player to ever win National JUCO POY honors in his 2 seasons at tiny Odessa College before transferring to UNLV.

After helping the Runnin Rebels win the ’90 National Title and earn National POY honors in ’91, Johnson was the #1 overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft. He along with Alonzo Mourning helped put the Charlotte Hornets on the map before injuries slowed the powerful forward, who made 2 All Star Appearances and scored more than 11,000 points in the Association.

The Nichols School, Buffalo, New York

1988 Game Stats: 8 Points

College: Duke

Although he developed into one of the most decorated collegiate players of all time at Duke, Laettner was a late addition to the ’88 McDonald’s roster despite rumors he once scored 67 points in a HS game.

He parlayed this prep honor into a full ride with Coach K and alongside fellow McDonald’s alumni Grant Hill and Bobby Hurley at Duke to participate in four Final Fours, leading Duke to back-to-back NCAA titles in 1991 and ’92.

After having the dubious distinction of being the only collegiate player added to the original USA Dream Team roster, Laettner played 13 NBA seasons for 6 teams, making one All Star appearance in 1997.

Christian is regarded as one of the most clutch players in NCAA history and owns 4 NCAA Tournament records including most points scored and games played.

Indian River HS, Chesapeake, Virginia

1988 Game Stats: 16 Points

College: Georgetown

During his time at Indian River High School in Chesapeake he led the team to 51 straight victories and a state title his junior year (1987). As a senior he averaged 25 points, 15 rebounds and 12 blocked shots a game. He was named Player of the Year by USA Today, Parade, Gatorade, and Naismith.

After scoring 16 points and teaming with future Syracuse standout Billy Owens in sharing co-MVP honors in the ’88 McDonald’s Game, Mourning took his talents to Georgetown under legendary coach John Thompson III.

Few players played as hard as Mourning, who led the nation in blocked shots as a freshman and earned All American status before being taken as the #2 pick in the 1992 NBA Draft.

Alonzo earned 7 NBA All Star Selections, was a 2 time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and won an NBA Title with the Heat in 2006.

St Anthony’s HS, Jersey City, New Jersey

1988 Game Stats: 10 Points and 10 assists

College: Duke

Under his Hall of Fame father at St Anthony’s in NJ, Bobby averaged 20 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals in amassing an unbelievable 115-5 record in winning 4 consecutive NJ State Titles from ’84-’88.

Coach K at Duke took notice and helped transform Hurley into a first-team All-American in 1993, going to the Final Four three times, and led the Blue Devils to back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992, earning Final Four MVP honors in 1992. Hurley remains the NCAA all time assists leader.

After being taken with the #7 pick in the ’93 NBA Draft, Hurley suffered lfe threatening injuries in a car crash and played through 5 non-descript seasons for the Kings and Grizzlies before turning to horse racing.

Tody, Hurley is an assistant coach under his brother Danny at the upstart Division I powerhouse Wagner College.

Cole HS, San Antonio, Texas

1989 Game Stats: 18 Points, 16 Rebounds, and 6 Blocks

College: LSU

All you had to do was take one look at a 13 year old Shaquille O’Neal and know he was going to be really, really good. After moving around Europe and the States as a son of a military father, O’Neal settled in hisjunior and senior years in Texas, leading Cole HS to a 68-1 record with averages of 32 ppg, 22 rebounds, and 8 blocks.

In helping the West to a 112-103 victory, Shaq took home the ’89 McDonald’s Game MVP for his near triple double of 18 Pts, 16 Rebs, and 6 Blocks.

At LSU, O’Neal was a two-time All-American, two-time SEC player of the year, and received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men’s basketball player of the year in 1991.

In the NBA, Shaq was one of the most dominant big men ever, amassing 28,000 Points, including 15 All Star Selections, 8 All NBA 1st Team Selections, and won 4 World Titles with the Lakers and Heat.

South Lakes HS, Reston, Virginia

1990 Game Stats: 16 Points

College: Duke

As the son of an All Pro NFL running back, it was in the genes that Grant was was going to be something special. After starring for South Lakes HS in Virginia, Grant became the missing piece in Duke overtaking UNLV to win the 1991 NCAA Title.

Over his illustrious 4 year career at Duke, Hill won 2 National Titles, and is universally regarded as one of the best players ever in the ACC Conference.

In the NBA, Hill overcame some devastating ankle injuries early to earn 7 NBA All Star Selections, co-Rookie of the Year, and is one of the Association’s all time “good guys” earning the NBA Sportsmanship Award 3 Times.

Even at age 39, Hill continues to be a productive player, playing a starting role for the Phoenix Suns.

Roosevelt HS, Gary, Indiana

1991 Game Stats: 20 Points and 8 Rebounds

College: Purdue

After outplaying fellow McDonald’s All American Allan Henderson to take home an Indiana State Title, Robinson teamed with Chris Webber on Team USA and the McDonald’s Game, helping the West best the East 108-106.

After sitting out his freshman season with the Boilermakers over academic issues, the “Big Dog” showed off his ability to handle the rock as well as drain the 3 in earning National Player of the Year honors as a junior. Robinson would go on to set several Big Ten marks for scoring as well as becoming only the 15th player in NCAA history to score 1,000 points in a season.

In the NBA, Robinson scored more than 14,000 points, made 2 All Star Appearances, and won a World Title in ’05 with the Spurs.

St Joseph Notre Dame HS, Alameda, California

1992 Game Stats: 12 Points, 6 assists, 5 steals

College: California

After honing his skills against fellow future pro Gary Payton on the outdoor courts of Oakland, California, Kidd easily became the best HS point guard in California history, holding state records for assists and steals.

As a senior at St Joseph’s Jason averaged 25 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, and 7 steals, leading his team to back-to-back state titles. In 1992, Kidd earned National HS Player of the Year Award and remains the all time prep leader in assists(1,155).

At Cal, Jason was a 2 Time All American and set numerous NCAA freshman and California records for asissts and steals in only 2 seasons.

In the NBA, Kidd is a 10 Time All Star, 9 Time All Defensive Team Selection, and helped the Dallas Mavericks win the 2011 NBA Title.

Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

1993 Game Stats:

College: North Carolina

As one of the first players to be dubbed the “Next Jordan”, Stackhouse was a star in HS as early as his sophomore season, earning NC State POY honors in ’91 and ’92.

He actually earned All-American honors his junior season at Kinston (Kinston, N.C.) before transferring to Oak Hill his senior season, teamming with future UNC teammate Jeff McGinnis, in leading Oak Hill to an undefeated season. “Stack” averaging 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4 assists for the 36-0 mythical national champions.

He was a two-time first team Parade All-America selection, and was the MVP of the McDonald’s Game, scoring 27 points in leading the East to a 105-95 win.

After earning All American honors his last season for the Tarheels(’95), Stackhouse would go on to earn 2 NBA All Star Selections and continues to play a supporting role for the Atlanta Hawks today, even at the ripe age of 37.

Mainland HS, Daytona Beach, Florida

1995 Game Stats: 16 Points

College: North Carolina

As a senior at Mainland HS, Vince helped lead his school to their first Florida State Title in 56 years.

While he and future pro Ron Mercer did all they could to stave off an onslaught by Game MVP Kevin Garnett and the West squad, who beat the East 125-115. But without a doubt, Carter made his impact felt during the McDonald’s Slam Dunk Contest, showing a rare blend of athleticism and power that would later rename him “Half Man-Half Amazing.”

At UNC, he helped lead the Tarheels to 2 Final Fours before leaving early as the #5 pick in the 1998 NBA Draft. After a draft day trade that sent him to Toronto, Carter, along with his cousin Tracy McGrady helped build the Raptors into a first time Playoff participant.

In the NBA, Carter won the ’99 Rookie of the Year Award, the ’00 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and made 8 All Star Appearances.

Farragut Academy, Chicago, Illinois

1995 Game Stats: 18 Points and 11 Rebounds

College: N/A

After three standout years at Mauldin HS in South Carolina, averaging 22.3 points and 12 rebounds, Kevin transferred to Farragut Academy for his senior season.

He led Farragut to a 28–2 record and was named National High School Player of the Year in averaging 25.2 points, 17.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 6.5 blocks while shooting 66.8% from the field.

During the ’95 McDonald’s Game, Garnett won MVP, and along with future Celtics teammate Paul Pierce, helped the West to a 10 point win.

Garnett became the first HS player to go pro straight from HS since the 1975 NBA Draft, and is a 14 Time All Star, 4 Time Rebounding Champion, ’08 Defensive Player of the Year, won an NBA Title with Boston in ’08, and continues to play at a high level even at age 35.

Inglewood HS, Inglewood, California

1995 Game Stats: 28 Points

College: Kansas

Some argue that Pierce is the best HS player to ever come out of California after averaging 27 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for a 26-4 state-ranked Inglewood team.

In the ’95 McDonald’s Game, Pierce was impressive, scoring a game high 28 points, but lost out on MVP to man child Kevin Garnett.

Pierce averaged 16.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in his three seasons at the University of Kansas, earning MVP honors in the Big 12 Conference Tournament in both 1997 and 1998, before leaving early for the NBA Draft.

As the #10 Pick in the ’98 NBA Draft, Pierce has played his whole career with the Boston Celtics, even recently passing the legendary Larry Bird for 2nd in all time Celtics scoring.

Pierce is a 9 Time All Star and won ’08 NBA Finals MVP in helping the Celtics win the 2008 NBA Title.

Lower Merion HS, Ardmore, Pennsylvania

1996 Game Stats: 13 Points and 3 Assists

College: N/A

After averaging 30.8 points, 12 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 4.0 steals, and 3.8 blocked shots in helping Philly suburban HS Lower Merion win their first State Title in 53 years, Bryant was named the ’95 Naismith HS POY.

Kobe was so spectacular that he even surpassed Wilt Chamberlain as Pennsylvania’s all time scholastic scorer with 2,883 points.

Despite qualifying for college, Kobe chose the prep-to-pro route and became arguably the 2nd best shooting guard in NBA history behind Michael Jordan.

Kobe is a 5 Time NBA Champion, 14 Time All Star, 2 Time scoring champion, 11 Time All Defensive Team Selection, and 4 Time All Star Game MVP. At age 33, Kobe shows no signs of slowing down, as he is currently leading the league in scoring.

St Joseph’s HS, Metuchen, New Jersey

1999 Game Stats: 20 Points

College: Duke

As the NJ State Player of the Year in ’99 and HS All American, Williams was arguably the best prep player in the nation.

At Duke he was a 2 time National Player of the Year, helping lead the Blue Devils to the ’01 National Championship. Williams also set the NCAA Tournament record for three-pointers attempted (66), while also making 132 three-point field goals—good for the sixth-highest total in NCAA history. His 21.6 ppg led the ACC and made him the first Duke player since Danny Ferry (1989) to lead the league in scoring.

After only one season with the Chicago Bulls, Williams was involved in a devastating motorcycle accident, forever robbing him of his immense basketball ablities. After several unsuccessful comeback attempts, Williams now serves as an ESPN analyst.

Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

2002 Game Stats: 19 Points

College: N/A

After transferring from Baltimore’s Towson Catholic to the fabled Oak Hill Academy for his senior season, he led a talented team to a 32-1 record and the No. 2 national ranking.

He averaged 22 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists during his senior year, and won the Sprite Slam Jam dunk contest prior to the McDonald’s All-American Game and was named a USA Today All-USA First Team and a Parade First-Team All-American.

Under legendary coach Jim Boeheim at Syracuse, Melo had arguably one of the best freshman campaigns in NCAA history, leading the Orangemen to the ’03 National Championship.

As an NBA pro, Anthony is a 5 Time All Star and one of the game’s most prolific scorers, helping to lead the NY Knicks back to respectability.

Cyprus Creek HS, Orlando, Florida

2002 Game Stats: 10 Points

College: N/A

After skipping around numerous stops during his HS career, Amare found a home at Cypress Creek in Florida, averaging 29.1 points, 15 rebounds, 6.1 blocked shots, and 2.1 steals per game as a senior.

After initially committing to John Calipari at the University of Memphis, Stoudemire chose the prep-to-pro route and was chosen as the 9th pick in the 2002 NBA Draft.

In 9 NBA seasons, Stoudemire has made 6 All star Appearances and was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2003.

Along with Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler, Stoudemire is helping the NY Knicks get back to winning ways.

St Vincent-St Mary’s, Akron, Ohio

2003 Game Stats: 27 Points, 7 Rebounds, and 7 Assists

College: N/A

We all should have known early on just how good Lebron was since as a freshman, James averaged 21 ppg, helping lead the Irish to an Ohio State Title.

After averaging 31.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 3.4 steals as a senior, James was the unanimous Naismith HS Player of the Year in 2003.

In the ’03 McDonald’s Game, James led all scorers with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, showcasing his future versatility on the pro level, in winning the game’s MVP Award.

In only his 9th season in the NBA, James is an 8 Time All Star, 2 Time Scoring Champion, and 2 Time All Star MVP. But surely what he really wants is an NBA Title with the Heat.

West Forsyth, Clemmons, North Carolina

2003 Game Stats: 10 Assists

College: Wake Forest

Although overshadowed in the ’03 Class by Lebron James, Paul was the best PG, despite his diminutive stature. As a freshman and sophomore, Chris was relegated to his school’s JV squad partially because his older brother CJ was already a star PG.

Once he got his chance in his junior and senior campaigns, he lit up the scoreboards, even scoring 61 points in one game, one point in honor of his deceased grandfather, found earlier that day.

In 2003, Paul averaged 30.8 points, 9.5 assists, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.0 steals per game, leading his team to a 27–3 record, and North Carolina State Title.

Playing 2 seasons for the Deamon Deacons in the ACC, Paul won ACC Freshman of the Year, All American honors, and helped Wake reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since Tim Duncan was on campus.

As an NBA pro, Chris is a Top 3 PG, making 5 All star Appearances, 3 All Defensive Team Selections, and led the NBA in steals 3 Times.

SW Atlanta Christian, Atlanta, Georgia

2004 Game Stats: 19 Points

College: N/A

As a HS senior, Howard led SW Atlanta Christian to a Georgia State Title behind averages of 25 points, 18 rebounds, 8.1 blocks and 3.5 assists per game, and was awarded the Naismith HS Player of the Year Award.

Despite being outscored by East teammate and future NBA pro JR Smith, Howard shared the ’04 McDonalds Game MVP honors with JR, prior to becoming the #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.

In the NBA, Dwight is a 6 Time All Star, 3 Time Defensive Player of the Year, ’08 Slam Dunk Champion, and became the first NBA player ever to lead the league in total rebounds for 5 consecutive seasons.

As one of the prized free agents this Summer, everyone is holding their breath to see where the NBA’s best big man will wind up.

Poplar Bluff HS, Poplar Bluff, Missouri

2005 Game Stats:

College: North Carolina

As arguably the state of Missouri’s finest HS player ever, Tyler led Poplar Bluff to a 27-4 record and 2nd consecutive state title as a senior, making the Missouri All-State team twice and averaging 28.2 points and 13.4 rebounds per game.

Instead of following the prep-to-pro route like top prospects before him, Hansbrough accepted an offer to play basketball for North Carolina, turning down scholarship offers to play at Duke, Florida, Missouri, Kansas and Kentucky.

At Duke, Tyler was a 4 Time All American, helping the Tarheels to the ’09 National Championship, setting numerous ACC records, and finishing 2nd to Blake Griffin in the ’09 National POY Award voting.

As an NBA pro, Tyler has battled inner ear balance problems as a fershman before playing in 70 games as a 2nd year player for the Pacers.

Montrose Christian, Rockville, Maryland

2006 Game Stats: 25 Points, 4 Assists, and 2 Steals

College: Texas

After starring on the AAU circuit alongside childhood friend Michael Beasley, Kevin played his sophomore season at the fabled Oak Hill Academy before transferring closer to his DC roots at Montrose Christian.

At Montrose, Durant led the team in scoring and steals and was named the Washington Post All Met Basketball Player of the Year.

Although Durant shared the McDonald’s Game MVP honors with Arizona commit Chase Budinger, Kevin would go on to bigger and better things as National Freshman of the Year at the University of Texas.

As the #2 Draft pick of the Seattle Sonics in 2007, Durant has been a 3 Time All Star, won 2 consecutive scoring titles, and is currently a Top 5 player in the Association.

Simeon HS, Chicago, Illinois

2007 Game Stats:

College: Memphis

As one of the most heralded HS recruits to come out of Chicago, Rose outplayed several other future NCAA and NBA stars like Kemba Walker and Brandon Jennings, on national TV, before commiting to John Calipari at the University of Memphis.

Rose averaged 25.2 points, 9.1 assists, 8.8 rebounds and 3.4 steals as a senior, helping Simeon to two consecutive Illinois State Titles. Simeon’s record while Rose played was a ridiculous 120–12, and was considered one of the best HS point guards of the modern era along with Chris Paul and TJ Ford.

In his one season at Memphis, Rose led the Tigers to a 33-1 record and National runner-up status to the Kansas Jayhawks, before being selected #1 overall in the ’07 NBA Draft.

With the Chicago Bulls, Rose is the reigning NBA MVP, ’09 Rookie of the Year, and 3 Time All Star.

February 9, 2012 – Check out the list of the Top 35 McDonald’s HS All Americans of all time……..